Reviewed for NetGalley:

I am still a little raw from this one. That being said, if I could give 6 out of 5 stars, done and done.

Ali, separated mother of three is wandering through life in a pair of sweatpants and piles of bills, after losing the mainstay in her life: her mother.

But when a skateboarding lawyer (I know, right?), knocks her off her axis, only sparks can fly.

This was such a lovely, beautiful, raw and bittersweet novel. I think I cried the entire 25 percent of the story and did not regret a second.

Monaghan has such a beautiful way with words, I can't wait to read what is next.

Pros: I really enjoy Annabel Monaghan's contemporary romance novels because the protagonist is often in her late 30s. This gives her characters more depth and different priorities and life experiences than similar novels that feature 27-year-old main characters. Although this book is a light and fun read in many ways, it also examines grief. As its title suggests, this will be a great summer read.

Cons: The biggest con for this book (and any of the author's future books) is that I compare it to Nora Goes Off Script, which is one of my favorites in the genre. Although I really liked Summer Romance, Nora is still my favorite of the author's books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group, G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read this book.

3+ stars

Still reeling from her mom’s death two years ago and her husband’s announcement that he wanted a divorce a year later, professional home organizer Ali Morris’ life is a mess. She finally builds herself up enough to take off her wedding ring and put on “hard pants” (overrated, in my opinion) and finds herself in a meet-cute at her local dog park.

I loved how perfectly this book depicted the complexities of relationships, which made it so easy to relate to and root for Ali (as well as Ethan). I also loved that while Ali is struggling with some of the really difficult parts of life and has lost herself along the way, she finds her way back to her true self and figures out how to take control of her own life and happiness. Nora Goes Off Script was one of my favorite books I’ve read this year, and Summer Romance is now right up there with it!

I rated this book 5/5. Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC!

"Summer Romance" by Annabel Monaghan is a heartwarming and laugh-out-loud tale that effortlessly blends humor with genuine emotion. Ali Morris, a professional organizer whose life mirrors the chaos she tries to tame, takes readers on a delightful journey of self-discovery and unexpected connections.

Monaghan's writing is a perfect mix of wit and tenderness, creating a narrative that resonates with authenticity. Ali's struggles with loss, divorce, and the challenges of daily life are portrayed with both sensitivity and humor, making her a relatable and endearing protagonist. The author skillfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, ensuring that readers will find themselves both chuckling and tearing up as Ali navigates her messy, yet beautifully human, existence.

The concept of a summer romance, presented with a refreshing twist, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the story. The humor derived from Ali's dog "claiming" a man for her is both clever and endearing. The unexpected encounter with Ethan brings a spark to Ali's life, and readers will find themselves rooting for this unlikely duo.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of life's messiness and the beauty that can emerge from it. Ali's journey toward embracing change and finding joy in unexpected places is a universal theme that will resonate with a wide audience. The narrative skillfully balances the lightheartedness of a summer romance with deeper reflections on resilience and the human spirit.

"Summer Romance" is a delightful escape into a world where laughter and love triumph over life's messiness. Annabel Monaghan's ability to infuse humor into poignant moments makes this novel a standout in the genre. For readers seeking a heart-tugging and hilarious summer read, this book delivers on its promises and more, earning it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you net galley and publisher for this ARC. I loved this book and enjoyed the storyline. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance book that feels more realistic.

This was such a sweet story with a wonderful cast of characters. I loved a romance with a mom who had lost herself finding herself and love again.

Annabel Monaghan writes the kind of books that I wish I could live. A main character going through a hard time in life but finds love in the most surprising way. Ali has been in a funk for the past two years after her mom died and then her husband, Pete, left her. Luckily, Ali had a supportive best friend and a motherly next door neighbor to help her through. A meeting at the local dog part brings the love she never expected to find again. All tied up with a happy little bow. Monaghan’s novels make me smile and feel warm inside, like there is that possibility of a happy ever after for all of us.

"Summer Romance" by Annabel Monaghan is a heartwarming and humorous tale that follows the life of Ali Morris, a professional organizer whose life is, ironically, in disarray. Dealing with the recent loss of her mother and the departure of her husband, Ali finds solace in her work despite her own chaotic living situation. She hasn't worn pants with a zipper in ages, and her pantry, ironically for an organizer, is in a state of disarray.

Unexpectedly, Ali's life takes a turn when, for the first time in a long while, she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware. This simple act leads her to meet someone, with her dog playing a crucial role in making the connection. Ethan enters her life, smiling at Ali as if her pants are just right, bringing a spark of joy and romance into her messy world.

As Ali navigates the complexities of life, love, and self-discovery, "Summer Romance" promises a delightful blend of humor, heart, and the unpredictable nature of romance. The novel explores themes of resilience, healing, and the unexpected twists that life can take, even in the midst of chaos.

Readers can expect a charming narrative with relatable characters, witty humor, and the promise of a summer romance that might just bring a sense of order to Ali's messy life. Annabel Monaghan's storytelling is likely to resonate with fans of women's fiction and romantic comedies, offering a light-hearted and enjoyable reading experience.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (4.5/5 stars)

"Summer Romance" is a heartwarming tale that sweeps readers into a world where love knows no bounds. The story revolves around Ali and Ethan, two souls destined to meet. As they navigate the complexities of life, love, and personal growth, the novel explores the transformative power of genuine connection.

The characters in "Summer Romance” are skillfully crafted, each possessing a depth that makes them relatable and endearing. Ali and Ethan are not just protagonists; they are real, flawed individuals who undergo significant development throughout the narrative. The supporting cast adds layers to the story, creating a rich tapestry of relationships.

The plot is a delightful journey of love's twists and turns, expertly paced to keep readers engaged from start to finish. The narrative is not just about the romance between Ali and Ethan but also delves into broader themes such as learning to love again after loss. The well-crafted plot twists add excitement and unpredictability, keeping the reader eagerly turning pages.

Annabel Monaghan has a writing style that is both eloquent and accessible. The prose flows seamlessly, carrying the reader through the emotional highs and lows of the characters. The dialogue is natural and contributes to the authenticity of the relationships portrayed.

The novel's greatest strength lies in its ability to evoke genuine emotions. The chemistry between Ali and Ethan is palpable, and the author masterfully captures the intricacies of love. The well-developed characters, engaging plot, and evocative writing style make this novel a standout in the romance genre.

"Summer Romance" is a captivating romance novel that transcends the genre. It is a tale of love, growth, and self-discovery that will resonate with readers long after the final page. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a beautifully crafted love story with depth and authenticity.

In conclusion, "Summer Romance" is a testament to the enduring power of love, skillfully penned by Annabel Monaghan. Whether you are a romance enthusiast or simply looking for a compelling story, this novel is must-read.

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

Just to step away from the more serious review I absolutely adored the two main characters, I recommend this to anyone who wants to give love a second chance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing access to the e-arc.

I absolutely love the way Annabel Monaghan writes her characters. Her romances are realistic. She handles hard topics in ways that are relatable. I have enjoyed reading her other books. But this book is incredible. This book made me laugh, tear up and frustrated. I love that her fm characters are strong women who are just trying to find their place in a world of chaos.

I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to read more of her books in the future.

i was beyond thankful to get an advanced copy of this book. annabel has this way of making me fall completely in love with a couple and then thinking there's no possible way it can work out. this book had me laughing and crying (a lot). it was everything my high expectations hoped for. i did have some trouble personally relating to ali at the beginning, but the perfect ending was worth it! annabel has quickly become one of my favorite authors and i absolutely cannot wait to see what’s next!!!

Listen. I really liked this one, once I got past the first bit. To echo a previous reviewer, there is a lot of telling in the beginning and it was a little slow for me. I also don’t usually love kids in books, but the FMC’s three were pretty likable. Overall I think this is a really solid, albeit heavy, story and I love that the communication between the two MC’s was (mostly) open and healthy. I definitely didn’t enjoy this as much as Same Time Last Summer, but I do recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of Annabel Monaghan new novel Summer Romance. A very cute book about second chances. Enjoyed Ali and Ethan's relationship and all the secondarily characters. This is my 2nd book by her and I really enjoyed both.

Another great book by Annabel Monaghan! Gave me the same vibes as Nora Goes Off Script but with a “best friend’s brother” twist. Great main and secondary characters, cute kids, and a small town feel.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Summer Romance to come out June 4, 2024.

Ali is grieving the loss of her mother and her marriage. She has found herself in a depression that she has no interest in getting herself out of. That is until she runs into Ethan, her best friend's brother, who seems to be a giant wild card to his family. Ethan's heart-warming smile and encouraging words inspire Ali to turn her life around. With Ethan's love, she realizes it's time to let go of her grief and stop getting in her own way.

I was so excited when I was approved for this ARC. Annabel Monaghan never disappoints and this is not exception. This book was so sweet, well written, and just kept me smiling. Grief is a hard topic to tackle and it was done really well. I enjoyed reading through Ali's journey of self discovery.

Annabel Monaghan is a must read author! I look forward to more of her work. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Group for this fantastic ARC.

Ali is a newly single mother of three dealing with a divorce and the loss of her mother. Re-meeting someone she used to know starts to turn her life around and help her realize she can be more than her grief.

I wouldn’t really call this book a “Summer Romance” aside from them being on a beach and doing summer activities. If you’re looking for a light fluffy read, this isn’t it. This is a story about heartbreak and grief and learning to love again.

This one wasn’t really my cup of tea, but if you enjoy stories about relatable characters figuring out how to put their lives back together with the help of a new romance, I’d give it a shot.

Oh my. I think this might be my favorite book I've read in a very long time, which is surprising because I almost DNF'd this bad boy early on. There's a lot of telling in the first 15% of the book--I hesitate to call in info dumping because it's needed to understand the current-ness of the characters, but it very much feels like the author is just telling you all of this stuff. I think this will turn a lot of readers off, especially with the preview function on Amazon only giving you about 10% of the book.

But I stuck with it, skimmed a little, and I am So. Glad. I. Did.

This is a 1st person, single POV (present tense, in case that matters). Closed door. Small town. Summer romance (duh). Dogs. Late 30s FMC and MMC. Single Mom. I had no idea that this was a single mom title--the blurb doesn't give that away at all. Had I known that, I honestly wouldn't have requested it because kids in books is usually not my jam. This book could change that thinking though. Monaghan did a flawless job at having her FMC be a single mom but the kids be realistic and not a major part of the story. The kids are there, they don't go away, but they're in the story in a way that feels very realistic and not forced. And the kids in terms of the romance was done in a non-rushed, respectful way that I've never read in contemporary fiction before.

This book is raw in a way that almost feels like you're reading the author's first hand experience with death and divorce. FMC's mom died two years before the start of the story and her elderly neighbor dies during the book. Tears were shed by me, and not just because I'm hormonal. Monaghan handled the topics with grace, dignity, and realness. Per the author's note, the author also went through something similar and the authenticity shows.

Summer Romance reads akin to a Women's Fiction with Heavy Romance ala Emily Henry, except it is very much a Romance. The Romance is the A Plot, and without it, there really isn't a cohesive story. And oh my, the romance is such a delight! Much like an icecream cone in the middle of a Midwest summer heat wave, it was perfect.

Ethan is officially one of my top MMCs. He was patient and kind, he was understanding, he was near perfection when it comes to MMCs. He was sweet and sincere, he helped Ali, and he waited and went at her pace. I mean, did I mention that he was patient with her? I have no earthly idea why this sticks out so much, but it did. He never pushed her or pressured her, even though he was also very clear with having a crush on her in high school (wish we'd delved into that a bit more because I'm such a sucker for a pining MMC wahhh) and that he had a crush on her now. Even with their terrible third act breakup, he didn't push. He made his feelings known but respected her wishes and gave her space.

I loved the arc that Ali eventually took with her mom, her marriage, and herself. It was beautiful to see. I haven't had any close friends go through a divorce, but this just felt like such a realistic way that someone in her position would handle life, love, death, and rediscovering yourself. It was such a beautiful telling of rediscovering yourself, truly. Coming to terms with who you've become, why you've become that, how you feel about it, and what you're going to do going forward.

If you are a fan of Emily Henry or Carly Fortune (I've never read her; just going based on the endorsement she gave), you will enjoy this one. Summer Romance is a perfect Summer Read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my favorite book I have read this year. I loved how grief and joy coexisted and the heart behind losing yourself in monotony only to find yourself again. I also loved the relationship with Ethan and the family dynamics. It seemed very authentic!

Oh, my heart! “Summer Romance” gave me all the feels. The title might sound fluffy, but this book was raw, authentic, and sweet—the moments of humor and levity perfectly balanced heavier moments.

As a similarly aged mom of three who has lost a parent, I found much in common with the main character. Most of the characters were incredibly likable, which is always a pro.

“Summer Romance” was my third Annabel Monaghan book, and I’m a solid fan. 4.5 stars rounded up.

Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book. I saw a little bit of myself in Ali - trying to figure out where she is in life after a tough year. Ali and Ethan were soulmates from the beginning and I couldn’t get enough of them. This book surely will become one of my comfort books. Annabel is one of my favorite authors! I will recommend this book to my book club for summer 2024!